Columbus has waived any fines accrued against Bartholomew County Landlord Association President Brad Grayson, owner of 930 Eighth St., after he was found to be in compliance with city ordinances by a Nov. 29 deadline.
The Columbus Board of Public Works and Safety had unanimously approved a request on Nov. 6 by code enforcement officer Fred Barnett to fine Grayson $1,000 if his property was not compliant with municipal code by Nov. 29, plus an additional $1,000 for every month after Nov. 29 that the property was not compliant.
Grayson also approached the board on Nov. 6 requesting a third extension to complete restoration work on the Eighth Street home. That request was denied.
Barnett completed an inspection of the Eighth Street house on Jan. 4, 2019 and found several violations of state and local codes, including:
Public nuisance: City of Columbus Municipal Code 9.16.010;
Indiana Code Section R703 Exterior Covering;
Indiana Code 36-7-9-4 Unsafe Building and Unsafe Premises;
Bartholomew County Code 152.050 Building Living Standards.
On July 2, Board of Works members gave Grayson a 60-day extension to complete the work; Grayson originally wanted a 120-day extension. He was granted an additional 45-day extension on Sept. 3.
When Barnett did a final run-by inspection of the property on Oct. 28, the violations were not resolved, he said.
Barnett also requested on Nov. 6 that if the violations were not resolved by Dec. 31, that the city attorney could initiate legal procedures at the Bartholomew County Superior Court 1. If the owner of the property complied with code enforcement and Board of Works’ requests by Nov. 29, the $1,000 fines would be waived.
Barnett completed a final inspection of the property this month and found the property to be in compliance with state and municipal codes.
